Mehndi application is a tradition in lots of countries in Asia and Africa. However, this tradition is now more of a trend nowadays because it is quite beautiful yet painless. Mehndi comes from the leaves of the ‘henna’ plant. Through the use of henna, people can sport body art without the piercing related pain or botheration of the design being permanent.

The tradition of mehndi application originated a lot more than 500 years back in South East Asia, India and Pakistan. Weddings and religious functions are believed incomplete without mehndi application. This art has gained a lot of popularity through the internet and now folks from around the world take interest in this creative body art.

One can choose from a number of different mehndi designs available for download from the internet. These patterns can be utilized as a guide while applying the mehndi, or easier still, they are often used in the hand directly using carbon paper. For beginners, using pre-fabricated stencils of mehndi designs can be a good option.

After creating a choice from the variety of mehndi designs, the next step is to apply the designs. If one can be an amateur, practicing the look on a paper first could be helpful. Mehdi application is centered on creativity and practice. Following a few designs, innovative patterns will automatically flow in your mind.

There are four main types of mehndi designs to pick from. The Indian style includes the feature of fingertips being covered fully in henna. Pakistani patterns are more intricate, complex and time consuming. African designs comprise geometrical figures and dots as the Arabic designs have medium sized motifs of flowers, leaves and vines.

How mehndi works as a temporary dye on your skin is an extremely interesting concept. The crushed leaves of henna when made into a paste and put on the body undergo an oxidation reaction. Through this reaction, the dye gets absorbed on to the superficial layers of your skin, giving a temporary color. The colour of mehndi is initially pale orange, which darkens to reddish brown within 24-72 hours.

The ease and perfection in mehndi application largely depends on the use of a good mehndi dispenser. mehndi design can be plastic cones, paint brushes or Jacquard bottles. The flow of henna must be smooth rather than messy. So do not delay – sport some graceful and royal henna art! It is a truly beautiful art.